Friday, April 30, 2010

After a troubled week, Nick Nurse has finally decided to stay as the head coach of the Iowa Energy. The British coach first left the D-League franchise to become an assistant to Greg McDermott in the Iowa State college, but McDermott decided to move to Creighton. Iowa State appointed Fred Hoiberg as the new head coach of the Cyclones, which closed the doors to Nurse, who will in charge of the Energy the next season.SOURCE: Des Moines Register

Caja Laboral could be interested in signing Milt Palacio for the rest of the season. The guard from Belize has just finished the A1 season with Kavala, and would continue his career in the Spanish team if both parts close a deal. Palacio has averaged 10.3 points and 2.6 assists in 16 games played with Kavala this season.SOURCE: Superbasket

The Gold Coast Blaze have announced the signing of Jason Cadee. The 19-year-old Australian guard was chosen to take part in the last Nike Hoop Summit, in New York, and is considered one of the best young talents of the country. Cadee will make his debut in the NBL when the next season starts.SOURCE: Gaze Hoops

Caja Laboral is tracking the market to strenghten the team for the next season, and another target could be Matt Nielsen. The 32-year-old Australian forward is on the radar of the ACB team. Nielsen, recently named MVP of the last EuroCup Final Four, is averaging 8.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, becoming one of the leaders of Power Electronics Valencia in the last two season.SOURCE: Krepsinis

Cedevita has decided to part ways with Slobodan Subotic due to the bad relationship between the coach and the board of the club. The replacement of Subotic, who was in his first season in the Croatian club, will be Aleksandar Petrovic. The older brother of the late Drazen Petrovic was without a team since leaving Zadar in 2008.SOURCE: Kosarka

Indios de Mayagüez have signed Maurice Baker. The 30-year-old American guard, who played for the Atléticos de San Germán in 2009, is back to Puerto Rico to replace Dan Langhi, released by the Indios after being signed last month. Baker averaged this season in the D-League 12.2 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Dakota Wizards.SOURCE: Rumbo al Camerino

Armani Jeans Milano doesn't seem to be as interested to sign Jamie Arnold as reported days ago by the Greek media. The Italian team could have just a limited interest in the American forward, who would arrive from Peristeri. Arnold, who played last year for Virtus Bologna, has averaged this season 14.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in the Greek A1 league.SOURCE: La Gazzetta dello Sport

After a painful defeat against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the NBA playoff, the star of the Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, could be considering to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. The 31-year-old German forward has played in the Mavs since 1999, when he landed in the NBA.SOURCE: ESPN

After the signing of the former target Darius Washington by Lottomatica Roma, Canadian Solar Bologna keeps on looking for a guard to replace injured Petteri Koponen. The chosen one could also come from Turkey. The Italian team could have reached a deal with Aaron Jackson to join the team for the rest of the season. The American guard has averaged 15.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game this season with Antalya.SOURCE: Fanatik Basket

Richard Chaney will land in Puerto Rico next Friday. The 26-year-old forward has played this season for EnBW Ludwigsburg, in Germany, averaging 8.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, where Chaney arrived at the start of the season from Tübingen. His new team will be the Cangrejeros de Santurce.SOURCE: Victoria 840

Sergio Rodríguez will hold a press conference next Tuesday to announce his future. The Spanish guard, who finished the season with the New York Knicks, could decide to be back to Spain. Teams like Real Madrid and Caja Laboral could be interested in signing the player, through his former team, Asefa Estudiantes, will have the right to match any offer for the 23-year-old guard.SOURCE: As

The Gaiteros del Zulia have announced the signing of Sekani Francis, a former star in the Lehman college. The American center has also played in Malvin, in Uruguay, and in the ABA league team Jersey Express. Francis will make his debut with his new team next Saturday.SOURCE: Solodeportes

Another coach fired in the Venezuelan league. The Guaros de Lara have decide to sack Guillermo Vecchio after being defeated by the Gaiteros de Zulia. The Argentinian coach, hired at the start of the season, will be replaced by his assistant, Carlos Gil, who will be the interim head coach. The Guaros are the seventh team to change the head coach this season in the LPB. SOURCE: El Universal

Thursday, April 29, 2010

JA Vichy has decided to part ways with the head coach Jean-Louis Borg, who was in charge of the French team since 2005, after 11 years coaching Hyères-Toulon. The replacement of Borg will be his assistant Jean-Philippe Besson, who will lead the team in the next season. SOURCE: Basketnews

Chorale Roanne will land Philippe Braud next season if both parts reach a deal, as expected. The 24-year-old guard is now playing for Chalon, averaging 7.9 points and 1.7 assists this season in the LNB. Braud has played during his whole career as a pro in Chalon, since 2003.SOURCE: Le Progrès

The Houston Rockets are willing to discuss a deal with the Toronto Raptors to land Chris Bosh via sign-and-trade. The Raptors could be interested in receive Jordan Hill in exchange, but could also force the Rockets to foist Hedo Turkoglu and his $43.8 million, 4-year contract to Houston as part of the deal.SOURCE: ESPN

Galatasaray is already planning the next season after couldn't reach the playoff in the TBL. The Turkish team is planning a new head coach to replace Cem Akdag, and a choice could be Ergin Ataman. The current coach of Efes Pilsen could leave the team due to the failure to reach the Euroleague quarterfinals stage, and the constant problems with the stars of the team, as Igor Rakocevic or Bostjan Nachbar.SOURCE: Fanatik

Danilo Pinnock is one of the targets of Hapoel Jerusalem from the next season. The 26-year-old American-Panamanian forward is averaging 19.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in Maccabi Netanya, where he landed after playing in Argentina and Puerto Rico. Hapoel will also have to find a replacement for coach Guy Goodes, who won't continue as head coach.SOURCE: One

More problems for Xacobeo Blu:Sens. The Spanish club, virtually relegated from the ACB league, has decided to take disciplinary actions against the coach Curro Segura, who days ago was confirmed to stay in Xacobeo for the rest of the season. This situation could make both parts decide to part ways even before this weekend.SOURCE: La Voz de Galicia

Montepaschi Siena, the leader of the Lega regular season, is looking for a point guard to strenghten the team to face the playoff. The current Italian champion has made an offer for Shammond Williams, who arrived to CB Murcia last February, but failed to help his team to avoid the relegation from the ACB league. Montepaschi was also interested in Williams' teammate, Milos Vujanic, but the Serbian guard refused to play in Italy.SOURCE: Krepsinis

Darius Washington won't play for Canadian Solar Bologna, as the first informations reported. The American-Macedonian guard is, as we told yesterday, Lottomatica Roma. The Italian club has signed the24-year-old player, coming from Galatasaray, for the rest of the season to strenghten the team in the Lega playoffSOURCE: Il Messagero

The coach of Power Electronics Valencia Neven Spahija could be the main target of Fenerbahce to replace Bogdan Tanjevic, who recently stepped down his head coach duties due to health problems. Spahija is in talks to extend his contract with his current team for two years, but the Turkish team is willing to make a huge offer to hire the 47-year-old Croatian head coach, who recently led Valencia to win the EuroCup.SOURCE: As

Despite the rumors about the interest of Cajasol to hire Mario Stojic, the Croatian player doesn't want to leave the Spanish team. The 29-year-old forward, who was signed to a 2-year contract last summer, is averaging 10.2 points and 3.7 rebounds in his 8th season in the ACB league, having also played for Real Madrid and Menorca.SOURCE: La Verdad de Alicante

The current head coach of the Ulsan Mobis, Yoo Jae-Hak, will lead the South Korean National Team in the next Asian Games, in Guangzhou, China. Jae-Hak, who will replace Hur Jae, will coach a national team which is struggling in the last times, since playing the World Championship in 2005. One of his assistants will be the legendary coach Lenny Wilkens.SOURCE: Korea Times

Nacho Martín, who has spent this season on loan in the Spanish LEB Oro team CAI Zaragoza, wants to play next year in his club, CB Granada, though he admits it's going to be complicated. The 27-year-old forward has averaged 6.1 points and 3 rebounds, helping his team to reach the promotion to the ACB league.SOURCE: Ideal

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Milovan Rakovic, now playing for the Spartak St. Petersburg, in Russia, doesn't forget the NBA. The 25-year-old Serbian center, whose rights are owned by the Orlando Magic, dreams about playing someday in the NBA. Rakovic, who was drafted 60th in the 2007, is averaging 16.3 points and 6.9 rebounds this season in the Russian Super League.SOURCE: Life Sports

The substitute of the injured forward Marijonas Petravicius in Armani Jeans Milano will be, finally, Jamie Arnold. The 35-year-old American forward has played this season for Peristeri, in Greece, which failed to make the A1 playoffs. It will be the second stint for Arnold, who played for Virtus Bologna in 2008.SOURCE: Basketnet

Mark Jackson, one of the best point guards in the last two decades in the NBA, will try to fill the vacancy left by Jeff Bower in the bench of the New Orleans Hornets. The 45-year-old former player, now a TV analyst, would have his first experience as a head coach if the Hornets decide to hire him instead of the other candidates.SOURCE: The Times Picayune

Brad Miller, you will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, is considering several options about where to play next season, including to re-sign with his current team, the Chicago Bulls. But the 34-year-old center has already ruled out one of the options, the New York Knicks, according to the player.SOURCE: Chicago Tribune

Bennett Davison is back to Australia. The 34-year-old American center, who played for the Melbourne Tigers in the 1999-2000 season, was signed by the Gold Coast Blaze, after almost a decade playing in Europe, in teams like Virtus Bolognia, Olimpia Milano and Cibona. The last team where Davison played for, though, was the Huracanes de Támpico, in Venezuela, averaging 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds in 5 games.SOURCE: NBL

Jovo Stanojevic will play in the Kuwaiti league after finishing the Turkish season with Kepez Belediyespor. The 32-year-old Serbian center was signed by Al-Kuwait, the last runner-up of the competition. Stanojevic arrived to Kepez last summer, and averaged 17.2 points and 6.6 rebounds, but couldn't avoid the relegation of his team to the TB2LSOURCE: Beo Basket

Despite the first reports about the arrival of Darius Washington to Canadian Solar Bologna, the future of the American guard is still unclear. Washington, who has just finished the season in Turkey for Galatasaray, has offers from Spain and from Lottomatica Roma, and will have to decide where to play for the rest of the season.SOURCE: Corriere Dello Sport

Rudy Fernández wants to stay in the NBA, and the Portland Trail Blazers are also willing to keep the Spanish guard at least for the next season. In case Fernández finally decides to go back to Europe, Real Madrid, Regal Barcelona and Caja Laboral are waiting for any movement of the player, who wouldn't demand less than €2.5 million ($3.3 million) per season.SOURCE: As

The Wollongong Hawks have announced the signing of Oscar Forman. The Australian forward, who also played with the Aussie NT in the last FIBA Oceania Championship, arrives from the New Zealand Breakers, where he was playing since 2006. In the last season, Forman averaged 7.6 points and 2.7 rebounds by game.SITE: NBL

The Leones de Ponce have decided to release Leon Rodgers after next game on Friday, and signed to replace him Rodney White. Rodgers, who arrived a month ago to the Leones, was averaging 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while White has finished the CBA season with Zhejiang Guangsha Lions, posting 27.5 points and 8.9 rebounds by game.SOURCE: BSN Puerto Rico

The former NBA player Fred Hoiberg is the new head coach of Iowa State. The Cyclones had to find a new coach after the departure of Greg McDermott, who took over Creighton. Another candidate was the Iowa Energy coach, Nick Nurse, who was already attached as McDermott's assistant, but finally the college has decided to hire Hoiberg, who was working as vice president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves.SOURCE: Yahoo! Sports Rivals

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

After taking the reign of Aris Thessaloniki at the start of the year to replace Fotis Katsikaris, who was hired by Bilbao Basket, David Blatt is considering his future. The American head coach, after some doubts, has expressed his desire to remain in the Greek club. Aris is now preparing the playoffs in the Greek A1 against Olympiakos.SOURCE: Superbasket

Despite the rumors about the interest of several Euroleague teams for Doron Perkins, the American guard doesn't rule out the idea of staying in Maccabi Tel Aviv. Perkins said he's happy in the Israeli team and that he would love to stay another year. Anyway, everything will depend on the contract Maccabi will offer next summer to Perkins.SOURCE: One

More changes in the Trotamundos de Carabobo. After hiring Ivan Déniz as the new head coach to replace the fired Flor Meléndez. The Venezuelan team has also decided to release the Uruguayan guard Martín Osimani. The club is already looking for a replacement, and is also considering the future of the American forward Curtis Marshall.SOURCE: El Carabobeño

BC Siauliai has announced the signing of Julius Jucikas. The 19-year-old Lithuanian center was playing for the NKL team Silute, averaging 9.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Jucikas, one of the best young centers in Lituania, was signed to a multi-year contract by Siauliai.SOURCE: BC Siauliai

Marinos de Anzoátegui have announced that the Venezuelan team has landed Jaime Lloreda for a try-out. The Panamanian center last played in Spanish LEB Oro team CAI Zaragoza, averaging 7.5 points and 4.8 rebounds before suffering an injury. Lloreda will be evaluated by the Marinos to verify his physical status.SOURCE: Marinos de Anzoátegui

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards are reported to be interested in Qyntel Woods. The American forward is currently playing in the Asseco Prokom, in Poland, being one of the best players in the last Euroleague. Real Madrid is also interested in signing Woods next season.SOURCE: Slam

Bob Donewald Jr. will be the new head coach of the Chinese National Team. The former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant is now in charge of the Shanghai Sharks, the CBA team owned by the Chinese player Yao Ming. Donewald will lead the team next summer in the World Championship.SOURCE: Sina

Pini Gershon could leave at the end of the season Maccabi Tel Aviv to accept an offer from an European team. The Israeli powerhouse is considering several candidates to replace him, starting from Gershon's assistant, Sharon Drucker. Another possible head coaches for Maccabi are Guy Goodes (who could leave his job in Hapoel Jerusalem), Oded Katash (now in Galil Gilboa) and Dan Shamir (Bnei Hasharon)SOURCE: Walla Sport

Mengke Bateer is not going to retire this season. The Chinese center said he will continue playing because he's still in good form. The 34-year-old player, who played in the NBA between 2002 and 2004, has averaged 13.7 points and 9.1 rebounds in 39.1 minutes per game this season with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.SOURCE: City Express

B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados: Signed forward Cliff Brown to replace the injured forward Lorenzo Wade. Brown was playing in Japan for the Toyota Alvark.

Barangay Ginebra Kings: Forward Mildon Ambers could replace forward Awvee Storey. Ambers was playing for the Idaho Stampede, in the D-League, being named the Most Improved Player of the 2009-10 season.

Barako Energy Coffee Masters: Forward Sammy Monroe will be replaced in the next days.SOURCE: GMA News

Armani Jeans is looking for a replacement to Marijonas Petravicius. The Lithuanian forward is injured for the rest of the season. The Italian club is interested in Othello Hunter, who has just finished the season in Greece with Ilisiakos, where he arrived last february. The other candidate is the Red Star forward Vladimir Stimac, also on the radar of Lottomatica RomaSOURCE: La Repubblica

According to the Irani press, Regal Barcelona has made an offer for the 24-year-old center Hamed Haddadi, who has finished the season with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Irani player will become a free agent this summer, through it is more likely that Haddadi extend his contract with the NBA team.SOURCE: Tehran Times

Chorale Roanne won't extend the contract of Ralph Mims. The American guard, who arrived last summer from the Turkish team Pinar Karsiyaka, is averaging 15.0 points and 3.3 rebounds this season in the LNB. The league regulations will force Roanne to release a foreign player, and Mims will be the chosen one to leave.SOURCE: Le Progrès

Víctor Claver doesn't have any intention of leaving his current team, Power Electronics Valencia. The 21-year-old forward, who has just win the EuroCup as the Valencia's captain, ruled out to leave to the NBA (was drafted last year by the Portland Trail Blazers) or to another team in a near future.SOURCE: El Mundo Deportivo

Shanxi Zhongyu will try to bring back Stephon Marbury the next season. The American guard said via his personal blog in Sina that there are "great chances" for him to be back to the Chinese league next season, and his last team has the priority to re-sign Marbury. The former NBA star averaged 22.9 points and 9.5 assists in 15 games with Shanxi, where he landed last JanuarySOURCES: Hoopchina, Sina

Power Electronics Valencia is tracking the market in case Matt Nielsen decides to leave. The Spanish team is considering names like Milan Macvan (already echoed here) and Joe Ingles. The 22-year-old Australian forward, now playing for CB Granada, is averaging 11.1 points and 4.1 rebounds this season in his first experience out of his homecountry.SOURCE: Las Provincias

The coach of Blancos de Rueda Valladolid, Porfi Fisac, announced last week the possibility of his departure at the end of the season, despite the extra year of contract he has with the ACB team. But the Spanish club will try to evaluate if there's any chance Fisac could stay as the head coach. Blancos de Rueda Valladolid will continue in the ACB league next season after avoiding the relegation with still three games to go.SOURCE: El Norte de Castilla

Jamil Terrell is no longer a player of the 0800 Easy LPG Bay Hawks, after the New Zealander team decided to release him. The American forward arrived this season, and was averaging 10.2 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Hawks. The replacement for the former player of Koper (Slovenia), Eyüp (Turkey) and Nelson Giants (New Zealand), among other teams, will be signed soon.SOURCE: Basketball New Zealand

According to Yahoo! Sports, Larry Brown could be trying to be the next president of the Philadelphia 76ers. The current head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats has targeted Milt Newton, now in the front office of the Washington Wizards as the General Manager, and the Atlanta Hawks' Mike Woodson as coach. Woodson will leave the team if the extension offer from the Hawks is as low as expected.SOURCE: Yahoo! Sports

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Australian team Townsville Crocodriles have announced the signing of Luke Schenscher for the upcoming season. Schenscher will continue playing in the NBL after playing for the Adelaide 36ers and the Perth Wildats in the last two seasons. The Australian center, who has averaged 13.3 points and 8.4 rebounds in the NBL, played in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls and the Portland Trail Blazers between 2006 and 2007.SOURCE: NBL

Yi Jianlin could be out of the starting lineup of the New Jersey Nets with Kiki Vandeweghe leaving the head coach duties of the team. The Chinese forward could be traded by the Nets, who are dreaming of bringing to New Jersey Amaré Stoudamire, though the All-Star player is in talks to extend his contract with his current team, the Phoenix Suns.SOURCE: New York Daily Post

Carl Elliot is back to the Cocodrilos de Caracas. The American guard, who played for the Venezuelan team last year, averaging 17 points and 4 assists per game, arrives from the Honka Espoo Playboys, in Finland. Elliot, who will replace Tang Hamilton, averaged there 17 points and 2.7 assists in 48 games.SOURCE: Cocodrilos de Caracas

Michael Beasley could be playing his last games with the Miami Heat in the playoff series against the Boston Celtics. The No. 2 pick in 2008 NBA draft could be traded by his current team due to his bad attitude in defense and his lack of maturity. Beasley is averaging 14.8 points and 6.4 rebounds this season.SOURCE: ESPN

The Trotamundos de Carabobo have signed Ivan Déniz as the new head coach, to replace Flor Meléndez, recently fired by the Venezuelan team. The Spanish coach was in charge of the LEB Oro team Tenerife Rural this season, which failed to qualify for the playoff and has already end the season.SOURCE: Piratas del Basket

Pablo Aguilar has declared elegible in the next NBA draft. The 20-year-old Spanish forward, now in CB Granada, was reported to be already on the radar of the Minnesota Timberwolves days ago. Aguilar, who is averaging 9.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in the ACB league, could also be signed back by his former club, Real Madrid, next summer.SOURCE: Twitter DraftExpress

Valdis Valters has stepped down his duties as the VEF Riga head coach, due to health reasons. The 52-year-old coach, former player of the Soviet national team in the 80's, was in charge of the Latvian team since 2008. Valters will be temporary replaced by the assistant coach Nikolajs MazursSOURCE: TV Net

Sunday, April 25, 2010

One of the first Chinese players to land in the NBA could have played his last game. Mengke Bateer, who played between 2002 and 2004 in Denver, San Antonio and Toronto, is rumored to considerate his retirement, though the player hasn't confirmed nothing yet. The 34-year-old center failed to win the CBA championship with his team, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, after being defeated in the final series by the Guandong Southern Tigers. Bateer has averaged 13.7 points and 9.1 rebounds in 39.1 minutes per game this season.SOURCE: Sina

Canadian Solar Bologna has finally found a replacement for the injured guard Petteri Koponen. The new player for the Virtus will be Darius Washington, who was playing for Galatasaray. The Turkish team failed to qualify for the TBL playoffs, and has allowed to release the American-Macedonian guard, who will play in Bologna for the rest of the season. Washington, who played last season in Russia for the Ural Great Perm, was averaging 15.3 points and 2.7 assists with Galatasaray.SOURCE: Turkbasket

The Perth Wildcats have re-signed Shawn Redhage to a three-year contract. The Australian team will bring back next season the 29-year-old forward, who was signed for the Puerto Rican season by the Piratas de Quebradillas last month. The American-Australian player averaged 15.1 points and 7.7 rebounds last season with the Wildcats, winning the NBL championship. SOURCE: NBL

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Maccabi Teal Aviv could decide to release Andrew Wisniewski next season. The American guard, who averaged 8.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in the Euroleague, arrived last season from Spartak St. Petersburg to Tel Aviv. With Alan Anderson rumored to try to get a guaranteed contract in the NBA, and with Doron Perkins attracting the interest of several European teams, Chuck Eidson is the only backcourt player who will stay in Maccabi for sure next season.SOURCE: Sport 5

Doron Perkins is attracting the interest of several European teams. The American guard, now playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv, are on the radar of the Italian teams Montepaschi Siena and Armani Jeans Milano, and of Power Electronics Valencia from Spain. Perkins, who averaged 9.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists in the Euroleague this season, was signed last summer by Maccabi.SOURCE: Sport 5

The Lebanese team Sporting Al-Riyadi Beirut will land Fadi Al-Khatib and Matt Freije in the next Asian Championship. Al-Khatib was averaging 31.8 points and 8.7 points for Champville, while Freije, who left the team recently, will be back to the Lebanese squad. Another player who could be added to Al-Riyadi is the Egyptian guard Ahmed Ismail.SOURCE: Aliwaa

Andre Brown was signed for the remainder of the season by the Syrian team Al Jalaa Aleppo, the best team of the Middle East country. The 29-year-old has played this season in China for the Zheijang Wanma, and a brief one-game stint for the Puerto Rican team Leones de Ponce. Brown is known for playing between 2006 and 2008 in the NBA, for the Seattle SuperSonics, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Charlotte Bobcats.SOURCE: Jalaa Club

Pepu Hernández, the recently hired coach of DKV Joventut, is a close friend of the veteran forward of Unicaja, Carlos Jiménez. Both worked together in Estudiantes and in the Spanish NT. The coach would love to have again Jiménez in his team, now Joventut, despite the elevated cost to sign the 34-year-old player.SOURCE: El Punt

Ricardo Maffei is no longer the coach of the Bucaneros de La Guaira. The Argentinian coach arrived last month to the Venezuelan team to replace Bruno D'Adezzio, who was fired after the bad start of the season of the Bucaneros. Daniel Centeno, the assistant, will be the interim coach of the team.SOURCE: LPB Venezuela

Friday, April 23, 2010

Regal Barcelona will try to improve the team roster next season, and could land Rudy Fernández and Andrés Nocioni. The Spanish guard would arrive in case Sandro Rosell, the main favorite to be the next chairman of the club, is elected, while Nocioni would be the subsitute of Pete Mickeal if the American forward decides to play in the NBA. Real Madrid is also reported to be interested in signing both players. The Argentinian forward, though, would prefer to play in his former team, Caja Laboral.SOURCE: Piratas del Basket

The rumors about the reconstruction of the San Antonio Spurs have reached Tony Parker, who could be traded this summer to bring a shooter or a center. The coming up of the reserve point guard George Hill can cause the trade of the French player. The Spurs are now playing their playoff first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks.SOURCE; San Antonio Express-News

The New Orleans Hornets are considering several candidates to replace Jeff Bower, who stepped down as the team head coach. The three high-profile names on the top of the list are Doug Collins (former Bulls and Pistons coach, now a TV analyst since 2003), Avery Johnson (former Mavericks coach until 2008) and Jeff Van Gundy (former Knicks and Rockets coach, also a TV analyst since 2007). Other names on the list are former Nets coach Lawrence Frank, and current assistants Dwane Casey (Mavericks), Tom Thibbeau (Celtics), Monty Williams (Blazers) and Mike Budenholzer (Spurs)SOURCE: ESPN

Alonzo Gee and Curtis Jerrells was recalled by the San Antonio Spurs from the affiliated team, the Austin Toros, in the D-League. Gee was assigned two weeks ago, averaging 21.0 points and 6.6 rebounds in the NBA this season, while Jerrells was sent to the Toros a month ago, after being called up by the Spurs. The guard has averaged 20.7 points and 5.7 assists in the D-League this season.SOURCE: Insidehoops

Nick Nurse has left his job as the Iowa Energy head coach, in the D-League, to join the staff of the Iowa State college. The British-American coach arrived to the Energy in 2007, being the only head coach so far of the history of the franchise. Nurse will now be an assistant of Greg McDermott in the Cyclones.SOURCE: Des Moines Register

Jure Zdovc won't leave Union Olimpija despite the rumors about his departure. The Slovenian coach said that information was not true, and that he will continue in charge of the Olimpija. The historical club is suferring a financial crisis that has caused the departure of some of the top players of the roster.SOURCE: RTV Slovenia

Just one day after confirming his departure from the LegaDue team Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia, Nicolò Melli could be close to reach an agreement with Armani Jeans Milano. The Italian powerhouse will pay 200.000 as a buyout to Reggio Emilia. The 19-year-old forward, who was averaging 10.7 points and 7.1 rebounds before being injured, is projected as a future second round pick in the NBA draft.SOURCE: Corriere dello Sport

Carl English is unsure about his future next season. The 29-year-old Canadian guard could be released by Caja Laboral next summer if the Spanish team doesn't active the one-year extension clause. English, who is averaging 11 points and 3.1 rebounds, would want to sign a multi-year contract for the next season. The player arrived from Gran Canaria last summer.SOURCE: Noticias de Álava

After being knocked out by Partizan in the Euroleague quarterfinals, Maccabi Tel Aviv is interesting in improve their roster at the expense of the Serbian team. The players Aleks Maric, Dusan Kecman and Nemanja Besovic are reported to be on the radar of the Israeli team for the next season.SOURCE: Sport Express

Despite the initial rumors about the intentions of the Chicago Bulls to trade the Omer Asik's NBA rights, it seems the situation has changed. The NBA franchise is reported to be interested in bring the Turkish center to the training camp next October. The 23-year-old player, now playing for Fenerbahce, is now recovering from an injury that has left him out of the courts since December.SOURCE: Chicago Tribune

Glen McGowan was deactivated by the Mets de Guaynabo due to a injury on his left leg, after averaging 18.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. The American forward, signed weeks ago, will be replaced by Marcus Fizer. The former NBA player was also out of the team due to an injury, but could be ready to be back with the Puerto Rican team next Saturday.SOURCE: BSN Puerto Rico

The Trotamundos de Carabobo have decided to fire Flor Meléndez, being temporary replaced by Julio Morillo. The Puerto Rican coach, who arrived to Carabobo after winning the LPB title last year with the Marinos de Anzoátegui, was dismissed due to the bad results of the Venezuelan team and his lack of chemistry with the players.SOURCE: El Universal

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Sutor Montegranaro has loaned Kristof Onganaet to Belgacom Liège. The almost 25-year-old Belgian forward will be back to his homecountry for the rest of the season, after playing just 4 games this season in the Lega A. Onganaet arrived last summer to Montegranaro after two years in the Syracuse college.SOURCE: Belgacom Liège

Arik Shivek, the new head coach of the Israeli NT, won't continue with his current team, Dexia Mons, next season. Aware of this, Hapoel Jerusalem could be interested in hiring Shivek to replace Guy Goodes next season. The former player arrived to the Hapoel bench in 2008, and his team is now placed 5th in the Super League with 13 wins in 21 games.SOURCE: Basketnet

Vladimir Polyakh is the new head coach of Politekhnika Halychyna. The Ukrainian team has decided to replace Mihailo Uvalin with the current U20 Men NT coach, who has also coached MBC Mykolaiv. Politekhnika Halychyna has finished 11th in the Ukrainian Super League, far from the playoffs.SOURCE: Politekhnika Halychyna

Maccabi Tel Aviv has slammed the informations about the arrival of Sarunas Jasikevicius next season. The Lithuanian guard was reported to be interested in signing for his former team next season, but the current Panathinaikos player is not on the radar of Maccabi, due to his age, his physical condition and his elevated salary.SOURCE: One

The head coach of Blancos de Rueda Valladolid, Porfi Fisac, have announced that is an option not to continue in the Spanish team next season. Fisac admitted it's difficult his continuity. The 45-year-old coach is in charge of Valladolid since 2008, and led Valladolid to the promotion to the ACB league last season. SOURCE: Piratas del Basket

Canadian Solar Bologna will have to sign a new guard after the injury of Petteri Koponen. The Finnish player is out for the rest of the season, and the Virtus is looking for a replacement. The candidates are Milos Vujanic (playing for the recently relegated Spanish team CB Murcia), Jamont Gordon (now in Cibona) and Keith McLeod (who has just finished the D-League season with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds)Aquí escribes el resto del contenido que no se vera.

One of the most promising Italian players, Nicolò Melli, has had to finish the season earlier than expected due to an injury. The 19-year-old guard, now playing for the LegaDue team Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia, has attracted the interest of the main Italian teams, and will likely play for one of them next year.SOURCE: Il Resto del Carlino

Cajasol wants to land two players from Meridiano Alicante for the next season. The Spanish guard Txemi Urtasun is one of them. The 26-years-old player is at the end of his expiring contract. The other one is Mario Stojic. The Croatian forward has another year of contract with Meridiano, but also a low exit clause that would allow Cajasol to signing him.SOURCE: El Diario de Sevilla

James Life will play in Puerto Rico as soon his stint with the Macedonian team Feni Indistrija Kavadarci, where he's averaging 15.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in the domestic league. The American guard will join the Caciques de Humacao. At the same time, the Puerto Rico guard Dennis Clemente, who played last season with the Kansas State college, is unlikely to play for the Caciques this summer and will try to find a contract in the NBA.SOURCE: BSN Puerto Rico

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The agent of Sergio Rodríguez, José Ortiz, admitted that to go back to Europe is a possibility for the Spanish guard. Rodríguez, who has finished the season with the New York Knicks, will become a restricted free agent, and is considering his options to stay in the NBA or to leave to Europe. Several teams, according to his agent, are interested in him.SOURCE: EFE

Bojan Bogdanovic is attracting the interest of some top teams around the continent. Another one could be Power Electronics Valencia, recently qualified for the Euroleague after being the winner of the EuroCup. Bogdanovic, now playing for Cibona, is also considering to declare himself elegible in the next NBA draft.SOURCE: Basketnet

One of the best prospects in the last years from Uruguay, Gustavo "Panchi" Barrera, is now training with Unicaja. The 25-year-old guard, who has finished the season in the Uruguyan league with Club Unión Atlética, will try to stay fit and to wait for offers to play in Spain. Unicaja doesn't have any intention of signing him now.SOURCE: El Desmarque de Málaga

Normal Nolan will play for the Gaiteros del Zulia after being signed by the Venezuelan team. The 34-year-old forward will replace David Reichel in the Gaiteros roster, instead of Jermaine Tate, the first option for the club. Nolan has played this season in Argentina (Olímpico de La Banda) and Iran (Petrochimi) SOURCE: Gaiteros del Zulia

The future of Sarunas Jasikevicius, currently on Panathinaikos, looks closer everyday to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Power Electronics Valencia contacted the Lithuanian guard to express their interest for the player, but Jasikevicius has decided to go back to Maccabi, where he played between 2003 and 2005. The 34-year-old player is averaging 9.3 points and 3.0 assists this season in the Greek league.SOURCE: Basketnet

Jure Zdovc is about to leave his duties as the head coach of Union Olimpija. The former player, who is in charge of the Slovenian team since 2008, would be replaced by Gasper Potocnik, currently his assistant. The financial crisis that is isolating the historical club would be the main reason for the departure of Zdovc before the end of the season.SOURCE: Krepsinis

After being released by Gran Canaria 2014 last week, the future of Vladimir Dasic is uncertain. His current team, Real Madrid, which loaned the Montenegrin forward to Gran Canaria, could not extend his contract at the end of the season. Dasic is now back to his homecountry, and it's very unlikely he will play again until next season.SOURCE: As

Jeremiah Massey is no longer sidelined in his team. The chairman of Xacobeo Blu:Sens, Jose Ángel Docobo, ordered the coach Curro Segura to bring Jeremiah Massey back to the trainings. This could be a problem for the rumored departure of the American-Macedonian forward to his former team, Aris ThessalonikiSOURCE: La Voz de Galicia

Sergi Vidal is planning his future in case he finally parts ways with his current team, Real Madrid. Despite the informations about a possible deal with DKV Joventut, the 29-year-old forward would be close to an agreement with another Spanish club, according to sources consulted by The Hoops Market. Vidal, who arrived last summer from Caja Laboral, is averaging 2.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in just 13 minutes per game in the ACB league this season.SOURCE: The Hoops Market

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The New Orleans Hornets are officially looking for a new head coach, after Jeff Bower left the bench of the NBA franchise. Bower, who took over after the firing of the former coach Bryan Scott, will keep his job as General Manager of the Hornets, which failed to qualify for playoffs this season.SOURCE: NBA.com

Maroussi is planning to sign another player to strenghten the team for the Greek league playoff, and is considering to sign Jarrett Hart. The 29-year-old British guard, member of the national team, is now playing for the Cypriot team Keravnos, and averaged 11.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in this season EuroChallengeSOURCE: Basketnet

Darrel Mitchell and Khimik have agreed to terminate the contract of the American guard. The 25-year-old player was averaging 18.3 points and 5.4 assists for the Ukrainian team. His new destination will be Base Oostende, in Belgium, where he will replace the injured guard Trevor Huffman.SOURCE: HLN

The Gallitos de Isabela are close to land Lee Benson. The 37-year-old American forward has played this season 5 games with the Chinese team Shanxi Zhongyu, averaging 16.0 points and 10.4 rebounds, before being replaced by Stephon Marbury. Benson will replace Alando Tucker, now injured, who will continue his recovery out of Puerto Rico.SOURCE: Victoria 840

DKV Joventut has make an offer for Mindaugas Katelynas. The 26-year-old Lithuanian forward is at the end of his one-year contract with Meridiano Alicante and will be a free agent this summer, through his current team will try to sign him for next year. Katelynas is averaging 11.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game this season.SOURCE: Basketnews.lt

The list of candidates to become the replacement of Mensur Bajramovic as the new Bosnian National Team coach has reduced to just two names. One of them is the main favorite for Svetislav Pesic, Emir Mutapcic, currently not linked with any team. The other one is the former Croatian NT coach, Jasmin Repesa, now in charge since months ago of the Italian team Benetton Treviso.SOURCE: Dvevni Avaz

Despite the team denied it weeks ago, Daniel Santiago will play for the Capitanes de Arecibo. The Puerto Rican center is back to his homecountry after being released by Efes Pilsen, despite some rumors that linked him with DKV Joventut, Galatasaray and Lottomatica Roma. The 33-year-old center played last summer in Puerto Rico for the Vaqueros de Bayamón.SOURCE: El Nuevo Día

The Chinese Basketball Federation is currently in talks with the American coach Bob Donewald Jr. to lead the National Team in the next World Championship in Turkey. Donewald is now coaching the Shanghai Sharks, in the CBA. The former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant is at charge of the Sharks since January.SOURCE: Hoop China

Henk Norel is currently in talks with DKV Joventut to extend his contract with the Spanish team. The Dutch center doesn't want to leave Joventut, despite the reported interest of Caja Laboral for landing him next season. Norel also denied any intention of moving to the NBA soon.SOURCE: El Punt

Bojan Bogdanovic has decided to declare for the next NBA draft as an early entry. The 21-year-old forward, now playing for Cibona, averaged 8.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 23 minutes per game, and is also attracting the interest of top European teams like Olympiakos, Panathinaikos and Efes PilsenSOURCE: Eurohopes

The Houston Rockets are not the only team interested in landing Brad Miller next season. The New York Knicks are also considering to make an offer for the center, currently playing for the Chicago Bulls. The Knicks were also interested in Marcus Camby, but the veteran center is close to sign an two-year extension deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.SOURCE: New York Post

According to the coach of Union Olimpija, Jure Zdovc, Nemanja Aleksandrov is no longer player of Union Olimpija. The 22-year-old Serbian forward, who arrived last summer, would have left the team due to the financial crisis of the Slovenian club. Aleksandrov, one of the most promising Serbian prospects in the last years before some injury problems, is averaging 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in the Adriatic League this season.SOURCE: Vecer

The goal of Richard Hendrix is to be back to the NBA next season. The American center of CB Granada will play in the NBA summer leagues to try to win a spot in any franchise roster. Recently, Hendrix was reported to attract some interest from Unicaja for the center, but the club has denied any offer for him and for Marcus Haislip,SOURCE: Diario Sur

Monday, April 19, 2010

One of the best newcomers of the ACB league, Richard Hendrix, is on the radar of Unicaja. The 23-year-old American player, now in CB Granada, is averaging 13.8 points and 7 rebounds, becoming one of the best centers in the ACB. Unicaja could be interested in signing Hendrix the next season. Another player who could have an offer from the Spanish team is Marcus Haislip, recently released by Panathinaikos, who already played last season for Unicaja. His relationship with the coach Aíto García Reneses, though, is not the best.SOURCE: Krepsinis

Only two games had Jason Forte to show his skills in the Philippines, after being signed a week ago. The Air21 Express have decided to release Forte and to sign Reggie Larry as his substitute. The former player of the Boiso State college has played this season in the ASEAN league with the Brunei Barracudas, avergaing 19.6 points and 9.0 rebounds.SOURCE: GMA News

Piratas de Quebradillas have finally landed C.J. Bruton, from the New Zealand Breakers, as the new guard of the team. The Puerto Rican team studied the signing of Marcus Williams, currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies to replace the former NBA player Damon Jones, who recently the team. Finally, it will be the Australian player the new import player for the Piratas, which also decided to hire Raymond Dalmau as the new head coach to replace Omar González, who was fired.

Venson Hamilton is now practicing with Gran Canaria 2014, which will evaluate if the American forward is in good form to be signed. Hamilton had a serious knee injury two years ago when playing for Real Madrid. Weeks ago, the player was training with DKV Joventut. The arrival of Hamilton to Gran Canaria, besides the friendship of the forward with Sitapha Savané, could be also caused by the recent departure of Vladimir Dasic.FUENTE: Piratas del Basket

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Despite of the rumors about the leaving of Rimantas Kaukenas (later slammed by the same player), Ettore Messina said that Real Madrid won't release any player, due to the physical problems of the Spanish team. The head coach believes Real Madrid is going to remain with the complete 13-player roster for the rest of the season.SOURCE: Piratas del Basket

Cajasol will land next week the young center Ondrej Balvin for a try out. The 17-year-old center, currently playing for USK Praha, is one of the top Czech prospects along with the Cajasol guard, Tomas Satoransky. Balvin has played so far three games in the Czech first league, the NBL, averaging 2.7 points and 2.0 rebounds.SOURCE: USK Praha

Despite de injuries of two frontcourt players like Lior Eliyahu and Stanko Barac in yesterday's game against Ayuda en Acción Fuenlabrada, Vladimir Golubovic didn't play a single minute by coach's decision. The second temporary contract of the Slovenian forward, who has averaged 2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 5 games, expires next Sunday.SOURCE: El Correo

Saturday, April 17, 2010

B.J. Mullens and Mustafa Shakur were recalled by the Oklahoma City Thunder, after playing the first semifinals series game of the affiliated D-League team, the Tulsa 66ers, against the Iowa Energy. Kyle Weaver, in the 66ers since a week ago, is also back to the Thunder to strenghten the team in the NBA playoffs first round series against the Los Angeles Lakers.SOURCE: Insidehoops

Finally, Brad Newley will have to stay in Besiktas after the FIBA didn't allow his transfer to Armani Jeans Milano. Newley decided to leave Besiktas due to the payment delays of the Turkish team, but will remain probably until the end of the season. The Australian guard has played today's game against Galatasaray, scoring 17 points.SOURCE: Basketbol Haber

Laurent Foirest, one of the best French players in the last years, could have to end his career due to a season-ending right Achilles tendon injury. The 36-year-old forward, who is currently on his fourth season with ASVEL Villeurbanne, was averaging 4.7 points, 1.8 rebound and 1.2 assist in 15 minutes in the French LNB ProA.SOURCE: Basketnews

Despite the insistent rumors about the leaving of Rimantas Kaukenas from Real Madrid, the Lithuanian forward said he doesn't know anything about it, and that he still has another year of contract with the Spanish team. After the arrival of Morris Almond, Kaukenas was told to leave Real Madrid, with Armani Jeans Milano interested of landing him, but the former player of Montepaschi Siena will be with his team in the next ACB game

Caja Laboral would only allow the leaving of the star of the team, Tiago Splitter, to the NBA. The Spanish team has no intentions of letting him move to another European team. Josean Querejeta, chairman of the club, still hopes the Brazilian center to continue in Caja Laboral, but admitted that the dream of Splitter is to play in the NBA. The San Antonio Spurs are the owner of his NBA rights. One of the possible subsitutes of Tiago Splitter next season, the Uruguayan center of Ayuda en Acción Fuenlabrada Esteban Batista, said he doesn't know anything about the interest of Caja Laboral for signing him.SOURCES: Noticias de Álava, Noticias de Álava

After just two games with the Trotamundos de Carabobo, Donnell Taylor has left the Venezuelan team. The former Washington Wizards guard was replaced by the Argentinian player Fernando Funes, who arrives from Central Entrerriano, a team of his comecountry, where the guard averaged 16.7 points per game.SOURCE: El Carabobeño

Matteo Boniciolli, coach of Lottomatica Roma, said that his team needs another backcourt player, and admitted Earl Boykins could be an option. The American guard has just finished the NBA season with the Washington Wizards, where the 33-year-old player arrived last November. Boykins has experience in Italy after playing for Virtus Bolognia in the 2008-09 season, with Boniciolli as the head coach.SOURCE: Corriere dello Sport

After leaving the D-League several weeks ago, Ron Howard has found a new team in Venezuela. Marinos de Anzoategui have announced the signing of the American guard to replace Michael Gale. Howard has averaged this season 20.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in his third year with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.FUENTE: Marinos de Anzoategui

Arvydas Macijauskas, without a team since leaving Olympiakos last year, is training to get fit again. The Lithuanian forward dreams of playing next summer with the national team in Turkey, and doesn't rule out to go back to Lietuvos Rytas, where he played from 1999 and 2003. Macijauskas said he's in touch with the Rytas coach, Rimas Kurtinaitis, but that he's waiting for the club to approach him.SOURCE: Lithuania Basketball

Despite recalling B.J. Mullens and Mustafa Shakur two days ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder decided to assign both players to the Tulsa 66ers one more time, to help the D-League affiliated in the playoff game against Iowa Energy. But despite the double-double posted by Mullens (11 points and 12 rebounds), the 66ers were defeated by the Energy.SOURCE: Insidehoops

It's official. Gran Canaria 2014 has decided to release Vladimir Dasic, who won't be back to the team. The 21-year-old forward was loaned to Gran Canaria by Real Madrid, but failed to get an important role in the rotation of his new team, and finally was waived after the club suspended him due to disciplinary reasons a couple of days ago.SOURCE: CB Gran Canaria

Friday, April 16, 2010

After joining Edel Brindisi, which is just one win away from the promotion to Lega A, Miha Zupan is unexpectedly back to Trikala 2000. The Greek club paid Zupan the money owed to him, so the Slovenian forward decided to come back to help the team avoiding relegation.SOURCE: Basketnet

Despite his intentions of leaving the Red Star due to the payment delays, finally the Serbian forward could be close to stay in Belgrade. The Serbian club and the player have reached to an agreement that would make Stimac to stay until the end of the season in the Red Star. Lottomatica Roma was reported to be close to sign the 22-year-old forward.SOURCE: Sportske

Despite extending the temporary contract of Alex Righetti until the end of the season last January, Canadian Solar Bologna has decided to accept to part ways with the guard. The 32-year-old guard played just 3 games this season with the Virtus, without scoring a single point.SOURCE: Virtus Bologna

After a hard season without the injured center Yao Ming, the Houston Rockets is planning to pursue in the free agency Brad Miller. The former teammate of Kevin Martin in the Sacramento Kings will start the playoff with the Chicago Bulls and will be a free agent this summer. Miller has averaged 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds this season.SOURCE: NBA Fanhouse

Marcus Haislip is no longer player of the Panathinaikos, after agreeing with the Greek powerhouse to part ways. The former player of Unicaja landed in Athens after an unimpressive start of the season in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs. Haislip averaged 2.5 points and 1.0 rebounds for Panathinaikos in the Greek A1 league.SOURCE: Superbasket

The signing of a point guard is one of the main targets of the New York Knicks for the next postseason, and are planning to talk with the New Orleans Hornets for Chris Paul. The Knicks could offer, among other assets, forward David Lee (via sign-and-trade) in exchange of the point guard. The Hornets are reported to be "in love" with the Knicks player.SOURCE: New York Post

Unicaja has confirmed Juan Dixon was officially tested positive for nandrolone, after the counter-test results was announced. The American guard was suspended by the Spanish team since last February, and will probably be released soon. Unicaja has already signed Gary Neal as his replacement.SOURCE: Unicaja Baloncesto

Armani Jeans Milano is still looking for a replacement for the recently released guard Alex Acker. The ITalian club was close to sign Brad Newley, who has decided to leave Besiktas due to the financial problems of the Turkish team, but the first option is still Rimantas Kaukenas, close to be released by Real Madrid after the arrival of Morris Almond to the Spanish club. SOURCE: Gazzetta dello Sport

The Minnesota Timberwolves own six picks (three first-rounders and three second-rounders) in the next NBA draft, and they're considering how to use them wisely. The General Manager, David Kahn, and the head coach, Kurt Rambis, will travel to Europe this weekend to scout several options to improve the roster. One of the stops of their trip will be Granada, where they will watch Pablo Aguilar playing on Sunday 25th. The 21-year-old Spanish forward, currently playing for CB Granada, is averaging 9.9 points and 4.9 rebounds this season.

The top scorer of the last Chinese league, Andre Emmett, will try to find a contract in Puerto Rico. The Mets de Guaynabo will land the 29-year-old guard for a try-out to evaluate his signing. Emmett, who played briefly for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2004, averaged 32 points per game for the Shandong Lions, scoring a CBA-record 71 points in a game against the Jiangsu Dragons.SOURCE: El Nuevo Día

Thursday, April 15, 2010

The brief stint of Vladimir Dasic in Gran Canaria 2014 could be close to an end. The Montenegrin forward, on loan by Real Madrid, misses a practice last Monday, and was sent off by his coach Pedro Martínez on the Tuesday training. The club has took disciplinary action against Dasic, who could even be released soon. The 21-year-old player has averaged 2 points and 3 rebounds in 5 games with Gran CanariaSOURCE: Canarias Ahora

Kim Hughes, who was named interim head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers after the leaving of Mike Dunleavy, was relieved of his duties. The Clippers will have to find a new head coach for the next season, and the first candidate could be the current assistant of Rick Carlisle in the Dallas Mavericks, Dwane Casey.SOURCES: Insidehoops, Twitter Adrian Wojnarowski

As expected since weeks ago, Lionel Hollins will be the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies for three more years, after agreeing with the NBA franchise to a extension of his expiring contract. Hollins took over in January 2009 after the Grizzlies fired Marc Iavaroni, and was signed until the end of this season. SOURCE: NBA.com

The Philadelphia 76ers will anounce today the firing of his head coach, Eddie Jordan. The NBA franchise, who failed to qualify for the play-off, will have to find a replacement for next season. Jordan, who arrived last season to Philadelphia, was also fired from his two former jobs as a NBA head coach, in Sacramento and Washington.

UPDATE: It's official. Eddie Jordan is no longer the 76ers head coach.SOURCE: The Inquirer, ESPN

Brad Newley has decided to leave his current team, Besiktas, due to the payment delays from the Turkish club. The 25-year-old guard, who arrived this season from Panellinios, could be in talks to sign for an Italian club. The Australian player was averaging 16.0 points and 4.4 rebounds this season in the TBL.SOURCE: NTV Spor

Jon Scheyer, one of the best players of the last NCAA champions, the Duke Blue Devils, is on the radar of Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Israeli team has contacted the American guard to sign him for the next season. The 22-year-old player, who could get an Israeli passport due to his Jewish origins, has averaged in his senior year with the Blue Devils 18.2 points, 4.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game.SOURCE: NRG

According to sources consulted by The Hoops Market, Andrés Nocioni wants to leave the United States due to personal reasons, and land again in his former city, Vitoria, to play for Caja Laboral. The 30-year-old Argentinian forward, now in the Sacramento Kings, played for the Basque team between 1999 and 2004 (including a one-year loan to Manresa during the 2000-01 season), before moving to the NBA. Nocioni would have to agree to a buy-out of his remaining two-year, $14 million contract with the Kings to be back to Spain. Caja Laboral has been interested in bringing Nocioni back since he left the team in 2004.SOURCE: The Hoops Market

Boris Tanjevic, agent of Nemanja Bjelica, said there has been contacts with Regal Barcelona regarding to the future of the Serbian forward, though the player admitted he didn't know anything about it. The Spanish club could be interested in landing Bjelica for the next season.SOURCE: Mondo

Caja Laboral in planning to sign another center after the constant physical problems of Tiago Splitter and Stanko Barac, and could try to land Henk Norel for next season. The 22-year-old Dutch player, who is in the final year of his contract with DKV Joventut, is averaging 5.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.SOURCE: El Punt

Despite the reports in some Spanish media about the interest of Regal Barcelona for Nemanja Bjelica, the young forward of Red Star said he doesn't know anything about it. Bjelica is fully commited to his current club, and won't consider any offer until the end of the season.SOURCE: Sportal

Despite the reports about the departure of the Red Star player Vuk Radivojevic from the Serbian club, the guard is still on the team. Radivojevic, who was appointed as the new captain after the leaving of Tadija Dragicevic to Lottomatica Roma, played the first two games of the Serbian Super League second round, averaging 13.5 points and 6 assists in 36 minutes.SOURCES: Serbian Super League, Serbian Super League

The Oklahoma City Thunder have decided to recall B.J. Mullens and Mustafa Shakur from the D-League affiliated team, the Tulsa 66ers. Mullens was assigned a month and a half ago, averaging 15.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in 27 games with the 66ers, while Shakur, signed by the Thunder 15 days ago, has posted this season 20.7 points and 6.9 assists in 47 games in the D-LeagueSOURCE: Our Sports Central

Trikala 2000 signed days ago Savvas Manousos to replace Mika Zupan, who left the Greek squad due to the payment delays of the club. But Manousos has also left Trikala without even making his debut with his new team. The problems in the payment of the salaries is, again, the reason. The Greek club will now try to find another player to complete the roster.SOURCE: Superbasket

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Glenn "Doc" Rivers, current head coach of the Boston Celtics, is considering to step down of his job to take care of his family. The former NBA player has three kids with promising careers in college and high school, and could leave his coaching career to follow their evolution. Rivers was the head coach who led the Celtics to the last NBA title of the franchise in 2008.SOURCE: Boston Herald

Darren Kelly will play again for Mouttahed. The 31-year-old guard averaged 20.3 points and 6.1 assists in 29 games played with the Lebanese team between 2007 and 2009, before playing this season in Egypt for Somouha. Kelly also played in Latvia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Poland during his European career.SOURCE: Lebanese Basketball

With Curro Segura, the coach of Xacobeo Blu:Sens, confirmed to stay until the end of the season, it's almost sure Jeremiah Massey will have to leave the team. The American-Macedonian forward is sidelined by Segura, and his former team, Aris Thessaloniki, is trying to bring Massey back. The still player of Xacobeo told former teammate Savvas Iliadis that next week he will be back to Aris, so Massey could leave Spain soon.FUENTE: Basketnet

Andrés Nocioni, forward of the Sacramento Kings, unhappy with his role in his current team, said that his first priority is to stay in the NBA. His contract with the Kings expires in 2012. Asked about the interest of Real Madrid for signing him, the Argentinian player answered that his agent is managing that, and that he has no idea about it.SOURCE: EFE

Former NBA player Damon Jones is no longer member of the Piratas de Quebradillas, after the Puerto Rican team decided to release the American guard. Since being signed a couple of weeks ago, Jones averaged 10.7 points and 3.3 assists in 4 games. The new target of the Piratas is the current Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Williams, who already played there last season. Williams would have to reach an agreement with the Grizzlies to buy out his contract, expiring next July to land again in Puerto Rico. The second option for the Piratas de Quebradillas is the Australian guard C.J. Bruton, recently playing for the New Zealand Breakers.SOURCE: El Nuevo Día

A anonymous source from the Maccabi Tel Aviv board told that Yaniv Green won't play next year for the Israeli team, and that the club will look for another center. Despite Maccabi denied officially that information, Green is only averaging 4.5 points and 3 rebounds in 11.6 minutes per game in the domestic league, so his relevance in the Pini Gershon rotation is minimal.SOURCE: One

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Larry Brown has slammed the rumors about his leaving from the Charlotte Bobcats to coach again the Philadelphia 76ers to replace Eddie Jordan. The veteran coach says he's no planning on working anywhere else but in Charlotte, despite some familiar issues that would bring back Brown to Philadelphia. The owner of the Bobcats, Michael Jordan, said he wouldn't be an obstacle for Brown's leaving if he decides to goSOURCE: Philly.com

The Houston Rockets have assigned guard Mike Harris to the affiliate D-League franchise, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Harris was signed weeks ago from the same team. The Vipers have also re-acquired forward Sean Barnette, who was waived days ago due to an injury, while releasing also injured Terrel Harris.SOURCES: Insidehoops, Our Sports Central

Despite some wrong rumors about the signing of Tim Shea to replace the head coach Curro Segura, the Spanish team has decided to keep Segura for the rest of the season, according to the chairman of the club. Who won't play anymore for Xacobeo is guard Maurice Bailey, which temporary contract has expired and won't be extended.SOURCES: El Correo Gallego, Obradoiro CAB

As The Hoops Market advanced almost a month ago, Sergi Vidal will play in DKV Joventut next year. The important Spanish sports newspaper As, quoting the radio program "Play Basket", confirmed the conversations between the Real Madrid forward and his first team as a professional. Vidal arrived last season from Baskonia, and barely has playing time in the Ettore Messina rotation.SOURCE: As

Tony Gafney won't be the only new acquisition of the Boston Celtics for the playoffs. The NBA franchise will also call up the Fort Wayne Mad Ants guard Oliver Lafayette, who is averaging 17.1 points, 6.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds in the D-League. Lafayette arrived to the Mad Ants after being waived by the Erie BayHawks in the preseason.SOURCE: Ridiculous Upside

Michael Jordan, the new owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, could allow the head coach of the team, Larry Brown, to leave. The veteran coach would be back to his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, who won't keep Eddie Jordan for next season. Brown was the head coach of the Sixers when the team, leaded by Allen Iverson, reached the NBA finals agains the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001.SOURCE: New York Post

The New York Knicks will try to sign Shaun Livingston next year. The 24-year-old guard will be a free agent after his contract with the Washington Wizards expires. Livingston, a former lottery pick, is doing a good end of the season after being signed by the Wizards last month.SOURCE: Twitter Alan Hahn

According to sources consulted by The Hoops Market, Rafa Martínez, currently in Power Electronics Valencia, could be the first signing of Regal Barcelona for the next season, after reaching an agreement Valencia and Barcelona for the transfer of the player. The 28-year-old guard, who is averaging 13.8 points and 1.8 assists in 28 minutes per game in the ACB league, would sign to a two-year contract with Barça, with an team option for a third year. SOURCE: The Hoops Market

As expected, Earl Barron will finish the season with the New York Knicks, after the NBA franchise decided to sign the center for the two remaining games. Barros was signed to a 10-day contract by the NBA franchise, averaging 12.6 points and 11.4 rebounds in 5 games with the Knicks.SOURCE: NBA.com

Ettore Messina, head coach of Real Madrid, was reported to scout Viktor Sanikidze in Bologna, where the Georgian forward plays with the local team Virtus. The 24-year-old forward, who is averaging 6.3 points and 4.8 rebounds with the team renamed as Canadian Solar Bologna, could be the alternative candidate to the main target of the Spanish team, Qyntel Woods.SOURCE: Ball in Europe

Boston Celtics have signed Tony Gaffney for the rest of the season. The former star of the University of Massachussets failed to earn a spot in the Los Angeles Lakers roster last summer, and started his rookie season playing for the Israeli team Galil Gilboa, leaving the team due to a foot injury and remaining unsigned since then. The 25-year-old forward will strenghten the Celtics in the upcoming NBA playoffs.SOURCE: The Republican